First Buzz: 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter baseball cards

[djolley86]

I understand that Topps would like to keep the spirit of the A&G "look", but man, these cards look exactly the same every year.

[speedyjg13]

Originally Posted by fenwaykid

A&G is slowly fading away...this needs to be a big year.... not seeing it so far with those auto subjects

Name an auto checklist you think would resurrect the AG brand

[Soxfanguy]

Trump/Dave Roberts/Rich Hill triple auto would be good

[Eckstein197]

Tiger mask is a huge add, Topps certainly hitting the Japanese market pretty hard

[Dbacksbaseball]

Disregard. Only 2 I have seen are full size. Others on the page are mini.

[dodgerfanjohn]

Originally Posted by kyleuk21

Agreed

Agreed also, and I’m a huge fan of the line. Last years auto list was great. This year not so much. At $100 a box on presale, there better be some oooompf to the product, and that’s just not happening.

The odd thing is, it’s not that difficult to put some cards that will be mid level names in the product. A WWE legend, a musician, a few mid level actors(c’mon guys, no GOT auto this year?), a boxer, a golfer, a WNBA player, etc...this stuffs not expensive and fits right in with A&G.

It seems ridiculous that in a year of fairly week rookie class they can’t do something like:


Sandor Clegane
Candace Parker
Top ten golfer and tennis player
Rickey the Dragon Steamboat
Top ten MMA fighter
Steve Harvey
Long time baseball team broadcaster(wanna wow us? - Vin Scully)
Jewel(singer)
Alice Cooper

I don’t think I’m asking too much. None of the above would cost Topps much and if they wanna go crazy they can upgrade a couple names.

Whatever it is this year, I already know to lay off until prices drop. $90-100 a box for this product is a rip off.

[coachnip13]

Originally Posted by dodgerfanjohn

None of the above would cost Topps much...

How much would it cost?

[Eckstein197]

Originally Posted by dodgerfanjohn

Agreed also, and I’m a huge fan of the line. Last years auto list was great. This year not so much. At $100 a box on presale, there better be some oooompf to the product, and that’s just not happening.

The odd thing is, it’s not that difficult to put some cards that will be mid level names in the product. A WWE legend, a musician, a few mid level actors(c’mon guys, no GOT auto this year?), a boxer, a golfer, a WNBA player, etc...this stuffs not expensive and fits right in with A&G.

It seems ridiculous that in a year of fairly week rookie class they can’t do something like:


Sandor Clegane
Candace Parker
Top ten golfer and tennis player
Rickey the Dragon Steamboat
Top ten MMA fighter
Steve Harvey
Long time baseball team broadcaster(wanna wow us? - Vin Scully)
Jewel(singer)
Alice Cooper

I don’t think I’m asking too much. None of the above would cost Topps much and if they wanna go crazy they can upgrade a couple names.

Whatever it is this year, I already know to lay off until prices drop. $90-100 a box for this product is a rip off.

First off, you have no idea how much a person charges for an autograph. You saying it won’t cost Topps that much means you know all of those people don’t charge a crap ton for their autos

Also the checklist hasn’t been revealed yet and they usually save big names for the checklist reveal. The only people we’ve seen are people tweeting it out/others being notified they’re signing.

And how is this years rookie class week?

[dodgerfanjohn]

Originally Posted by coachnip13

How much would it cost?

If those cost too much, find comparable that don’t cost much

If steamboat want a bunch, Bret Hart doesn’t charge much. If he wants too much, Jake the snake signs for a bag of chips.

As far as musicians, Dick Dale was forced to perform to survive. A few grand for 500 autos probably sounds awesome. Brian’s Wilson is a HUGE name and is still performing despite barely being able to walk. Think he couldn’t use a few dollars?

Point being that there’s names available that would boost the product. A bunch of no names is a slap in the face to collectors of the product.

[Dbacksbaseball]

Originally Posted by Eckstein197

First off, you have no idea how much a person charges for an autograph. You saying it won’t cost Topps that much means you know all of those people don’t charge a crap ton for their autos

Also the checklist hasn’t been revealed yet and they usually save big names for the checklist reveal. The only people we’ve seen are people tweeting it out/others being notified they’re signing.

And how is this years rookie class week?

Reality is....it is kind of weak, the names and stuff I am seeing. I saw the Grand Slam guy has autos in this......He's a solid dude and does a lot for the hobby....and I am an A&G enthusiast....but I wouldn't be happy with that pull, or really anyone I have seen so far.

How in an age where HBO TV series are as hot as they have ever been can you not get some actors who sign regularly but you don't see a ton on sports cards and then work down through other sports and industries to get a real solid auto checklist.

Emelia Clark SP
Kit Harrington SP
Lena Headly SP
Chris Pratt
Steve Carell
Evan Rachel Wood
Anthony Hopkins
Thandie Newton
-------
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Dwayne Johnson
------
Christian Pulisic
Sadio Mane
------
Rickie Fowler
-----
Zion Williamson
Ja Morant
Rj Barrett
------
Gary Vanderchuk
Bill Gates
-----
Stone Gossard
Eddy Vedder etc etc

Im just pulling names from the top of my head, but Topps does kinda phone it in on this.....too many E listers the past 3-4 years.

[kyleuk21]

Originally Posted by speedyjg13

Name an auto checklist you think would resurrect the AG brand

See the 2012 auto checklist. Add in some fresh new names like Dbacks listed in a post above this and that’s a solid list.

[beauspencer]

Emelia Clark SP
Kit Harrington SP
Lena Headly SP
Chris Pratt
Steve Carell
Evan Rachel Wood
Anthony Hopkins
Thandie Newton
-------
Stone Cold Steve Austin
Dwayne Johnson
------
Christian Pulisic
Sadio Mane
------
Rickie Fowler
-----
Zion Williamson
Ja Morant
Rj Barrett
------
Gary Vanderchuk
Bill Gates
-----
Stone Gossard
Eddy Vedder etc etc

Do you realize how much Topps would have to pay for most of these signers? If you want to pay $300/box, you might get these names.

[boston12]

Eddie Vedder needs to happen. His cubs connection is an obvious choice.

[fenwaykid]

Originally Posted by kyleuk21

See the 2012 auto checklist. Add in some fresh new names like Dbacks listed in a post above this and that’s a solid list.

It doesn't have to be the auto-checklist to give A&G some life. How about some Chrome or Refractor Minis with Superfractors? Great for resellers and graders - it would only add value to the product.

Top MLB Prospects Autos, Presidential or current Politician Autos - imagine an AOC or Bernie Sanders Mini auto?

Change up the box contents - save money by not putting in the box toppers - and eliminate the 2 napkin jersey cards that have ZERO value - use this saved money in production costs to add some other cards of real value.

[ThoseBackPages]

just give us the cour-four RCs in the bases set, please

[Eckstein197]

Originally Posted by fenwaykid

It doesn't have to be the auto-checklist to give A&G some life. How about some Chrome or Refractor Minis with Superfractors? Great for resellers and graders - it would only add value to the product.

Top MLB Prospects Autos, Presidential or current Politician Autos - imagine an AOC or Bernie Sanders Mini auto?

Change up the box contents - save money by not putting in the box toppers - and eliminate the 2 napkin jersey cards that have ZERO value - use this saved money in production costs to add some other cards of real value.

I think you will see some Chrome this year. Similar to how they did it with Gypsy Queen perhaps

[beauspencer]

Eddie Vedder needs to happen. His cubs connection is an obvious choice.

Can't see Vedder doing this, plus his cost would be astronomical.

[boston12]

Originally Posted by beauspencer

Can't see Vedder doing this, plus his cost would be astronomical.

Big charity guy. Donation to a charity of his. Maybe this and his love for baseball. Hey I can hope!

[beauspencer]

Big charity guy. Donation to a charity of his. Maybe this and his love for baseball. Hey I can hope!

I would absolutely love it, but just can't see it happening.

[Dbacksbaseball]

Originally Posted by boston12

Big charity guy. Donation to a charity of his. Maybe this and his love for baseball. Hey I can hope!

That list would be cheaper then you think. And I think Vedder is possible, he is all about giving back as you said.

The Thrones and Westworld Actors already sign a lot...they aren't terrible expensive except Clarke....so make her an SP.

Mane and Pulisic are cheap.
Fowler is Cheap.
Stone Cold and the Rock....both do a ton of signings non card...not terribly expensive.
NBA Prospects all will be signing with Panini in the summer, the can get a couple quick extra bucks from Topps...and Topps get to cash in on a little it of the early craze.....not that expensive.
Gary V is all about whatever promotes him socially.....hes a homer on the card bandwagon.....he would love this...minimal cost.
Gates---not sure.
PJ guys--maybe expensive....but again then SP them.

Its not like the contents of a case with printers and auto/memorabilia cost is that crazy. The print board and work in per case is about $100 MAX...lately the auto cost is like $60 in most cases. There making a mint off this stuff.....and by the way....they get most of the 'celebrity' memorabilia at little to no cost.

[salthill]

Maybe they could sell the wood 1/1s from last year on eBay to fund the new autos?

[codered]

Originally Posted by beauspencer

Can't see Vedder doing this, plus his cost would be astronomical.

He already has a topps base card (which he would have to agree too) and he’s a huge sports fan. I mean he wrote a song about his love for the cubs lol! I think it’s something he would totally be game for

[beauspencer]

He already has a topps base card (which he would have to agree too) and he’s a huge sports fan. I mean he wrote a song about his love for the cubs lol! I think it’s something he would totally be game for

There is a big difference between being a big baseball fan and agreeing to sign hundreds/thousands of cards.

[kyleuk21]

Originally Posted by fenwaykid

It doesn't have to be the auto-checklist to give A&G some life. How about some Chrome or Refractor Minis with Superfractors? Great for resellers and graders - it would only add value to the product.

Top MLB Prospects Autos, Presidential or current Politician Autos - imagine an AOC or Bernie Sanders Mini auto?

Change up the box contents - save money by not putting in the box toppers - and eliminate the 2 napkin jersey cards that have ZERO value - use this saved money in production costs to add some other cards of real value.

Chrome stuff would add value to some. It would also kill the identity of the product in the opinion of many. Not saying one is right or wrong. Just stating a fact.

[wood minis]

I like the background. That's new. I'm still debating whether I'm going to buy this year. As a collector of the wood minis, I recently wrote to the CEO of Topps regarding the missing wood minis from last year. His response, or lack thereof, will factor in to my decision.